A CHEF who worked on and off at a Conwy Valley pub for 25 years is now the new proud owner of the establishment.

Ye Olde Bull Inn, located in Llanbedr-y-Cennin and believed to be one of Wales' oldest pubs, closed last spring.

However, it is now set to re-open after former employee Rachel Hughes decided to take over the reigns.

Rachel first began working at Ye Old Bull Inn when she was 17 years old.

After the JW Lees brewery owned pub failed to sell at auction, it has since been sold to Rachel through St David's Commercial.

Over the years, the 46-year-old has worked behind the bar and as a kitchen porter and chef at the inn before leaving around four and a half years ago.

She received the keys to the pub over the weekend and says she is looking to open its doors to the public in the coming weeks.

Talking about her decision to take over, Rachel said: "I was very sad to see this happen (closure of the pub) and had been unhappy in my second to last job which made me want to do this even more.

"There's still some work to be done here. There's no water supply here at the moment, however, the neighbours have been very good letting me use there's.

"It's a good job I'm not scared of spiders as I've been hoovering them up all day!"

Rachel, who lives in Tal-y-bont, added that she has several ideas planned for the future of the pub.

She said: "I am hoping to put life back into Ye Olde Bull Inn. The local church choir wants to come for coffee on Thursday morning and there is another scheme which my neighbours have mentioned involving food and the elderly.

"I am open to all kinds of new ideas to help the community here. The pub itself is very much like a jewel in the crown of Llanbedr-y-Cennin and the views are to die for too."

The pub itself dates back to the late 17th century.

Prior to Rachel purchasing the building, a community campaign had been launched to help save the pub. It is hoped it can now be re-opened in the coming weeks.